Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 42/25

ULLAS MELA ORGANIZED IN KHLIEHRIAT

An ULLAS Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society Mela 2025 carrying the theme “A Step Towards Literate India” and aimed at empowering adult citizens 15 years and above from all backgrounds who missed formal schooling and helping them integrate into society and contribute to the nation’s growth was today organized by the office of the District School Education Officer DSEO, East Jaintia Hills District at Khliehriat West Community Hall, Khliehriat.

The event was attended by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Smti. J.U Kharpuri, Block Development Officer, Lumshnong C RD Block, Shri Marioki Kyndait, District School Education Officer DSEO, East Jaintia Hills District, Smti. A.P Syiem, Consultant, State Centre For Literacy State Literacy Mission Authority SCL SLMA, Meghalaya, Shillong, Smti. Barikor Syiem, Sub Divisional School Education Officer SDSEO, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri Onikson Sumer, Special Educator, District Nodal Officer, ULLAS, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri Salanbor Kamar, ULLAS teaching volunteers, traditional heads, learners and others.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Smti. J.U. Kharpuri in her address during the programme stressed on the importance of educating adult citizens and said that education is a tool which empowers individuals to identify malpractices and in managing their businesses efficiently and reiterated on the commitment of the government to empower all citizens with education even as she urged the gathering to encourage other community members to join the ULLAS programme.

Smti. Kharpuri also mentioned that farmers are key elements in contributing to the economic growth of the state and country while also underscoring the importance of giving accounting literacy and digital literacy to empower all adult citizens to participate fully in society and the economy by providing them with access to information, communication and digital tools while further urging BDOs to encourage people of their respective jurisdictions to join the ULLAS programme.

Meanwhile, District School Education Officer DSEO, East Jaintia Hills District Smti. A.P. Syiem in her speech emphasized on the significance of the programme, highlighting its impact on individuals who were previously unable to read and write and expressed satisfaction on seeing the enthusiasm of older people in joining ULLAS while also mentioning that ULLAS is planned to continue until 2027 with a target of enrolling 12,000 people in East Jaintia Hills District by 2027.

Smti. Syiem also commended the tireless efforts of the Education Department officials of the district particularly Special Educator, District Nodal Officer, ULLAS, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri Salanbor Kamar for his exceptional efforts in promoting the programme and propelling ULLAS’ success with around 7731 learners of the district having cleared the assessment. Earlier, Consultant, State Centre for Literacy State Literacy Mission Authority SCL SLMA, Meghalaya, Shillong Smti. Barikor Syiem spoke at length on the importance and functions of ULLAS.

Other highlights of the programme include songs performed by Students of Oxford Secondary School, Lad Rymbai and ULLAS learners of Samasi Village and distribution of certificates to all the learners who have completed the assessment.